We asked Sherry Pratt about her interest in watercolors and the impact that art makes on her life.

Editor - Sherry, you have written poetry, and you are a creative person in many other ways. But what prompted you to experiment with watercolors?

Sherry - I have been interested in drawing and painting, really, my whole life. I focused on graphite drawings at a very young age. When I was about 10 or 11 years old into my early adult life, I drew faces almost exclusively. I have always been intrigued by the human face. I stopped drawing about 17 years ago but longed to start it up again. Life just got too busy.

Recently, I noticed that I was in need of an outlet. Life was rushing by. I felt the need to take time for simple joyful expression. Something that would allow me to share how I see the world. My poetry is very private, I rarely share it, it brings me joy and the ability to express myself, but painting and drawing seem to be something that I can share more readily. There is a vulnerability that I feel but it is not nearly as intense, as in the written word. I hope to not only express the things that compel me in nature and life, but to bring joy to others as they view my artistic adventures. There is a joy in learning something new, and sharing it with others. I want to express what I see, the way I see it. We all see things differently, to be able to express my heart in painting and drawing is somehow a joy. To hold a brush in your hand and with decisiveness, begin the process of expression. One mark here and there and soon, you have shared a piece of who you are.